No Time for a Trade 'Time Out'

A showdown is brewing  in Washington over the Colombia Free Trade Agreement--and free trade in general--the new bete noire of Campaign '08.

Swift, bipartisan action on this matter is necessary to strengthen American competitiveness, support political and social progress in Colombia and democracy in the region, and improve our standing on a continent that has long been victimized by totalitarian regimes and anemic growth.

Some Americans remain fearful of free trade and, more broadly, international engagement. Free trade provides access to previously closed markets, which in turn leads to increased opportunities for America's companies and their workers and increases American competitiveness.

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT) said during a recent hearing that pending trade agreements (Colombia, Panama and South Korea) will be considered only after Congress passes a measure to help U.S. workers harmed by foreign competition.  While trade agreements really can't wait in order for the U.S. to be competitive, we do agree that something must be done to help these U.S. workers.